The School of Agriculture (SOA), Uttaranchal University, organised a week-long Faculty Development Programme from 12 to 18 July 2025 on the theme Integration of Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in Agricultural Education: Challenges and Opportunities. The programme was inaugurated by Prof (Dr) Dharam Buddhi, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor and Chief Guest, and Prof (Dr) Rajesh Bahuguna, Pro Vice-Chancellor, along with Prof (Dr) Sharad Pandey, Director, SOA.
In his inaugural address, Prof (Dr) Dharam Buddhi, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, stressed the importance of age-old traditions used in agriculture for the benefit of mankind. He also emphasised the integration of modern technology in agricultural education to make it more skill-oriented and market-savvy. Prof (Dr) Rajesh Bahuguna, Pro Vice-Chancellor, evoked a sense of belonging to nature through his illustrative examples of traditional agricultural practices used over the ages. Eminent speakers from reputed institutions across India contributed to the event as resource persons.
Prof (Dr) Sunita T. Pandey and Prof (Dr) Rajeev Kumar from GBPUAT Pantnagar elaborated on Vedic agricultural knowledge from texts such as Vrikshayurveda and Krishi-Parashara, indigenous seed conservation, and successful models blending IKS with modern agriculture. Dr Vinod Bhatt and Prof (Dr) V.S. Rawat emphasised the integration of IKS and modern agricultural practices. Dr Vipin Prakash from FRI discussed the role of IKS in managing diseases in trees. Dr A.K. Sharma from KVK, Dhakrani, highlighted the importance of IKS in vegetable sciences. Mr. Hariraj Singh focused on IKS and environmental issues, while Dr Shyma K.P. addressed eco-friendly approaches to managing livestock diseases. Dr Arvind Kumar Upadhyaya from Shivakhya Foundation shared insights on integrating traditional practices with scientific approaches.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof (Dr) Rajendra Prasad, Head, SOA. Prof (Dr) Sharad Pandey, Director, SOA, appreciated the efforts of the organising team and encouraged more such academic engagements in the future.
The FDP was conducted in hybrid mode, with more than 300 participants joining the event.
